Giving Gary Lane job was not a mistake, says Birch

Speed, who stepped up from his role as coach following the departure of Kevin Blackwell, lost nine out of 18 games as a first-time manager and left the Blades sitting one point above the Championship relegation zone.

Speaking in the wake of Speed's appointment as new manager of Wales, Birch said: "It was not a mistake appointing Gary. He will go on to become a good manager. The fact that he is such a wanted man justifies our original appointment."

Speed, 41, had originally pledged his future to the Blades when the Wales job became vacant two months ago but dramatically changed his mind last week.

"It came as a shock to get the call from the Welsh FA because time had elapsed and we assumed that we wouldn't be getting an approach," said Birch. "I was surprised in that sense but, having spoken to Gary, he had expressed a desire to talk to them. I don't know whether they approached him before. He said it was a decision from the heart and he had to go with it. He's not the kind of guy who walks away from things and if it had been another club, there would have been questions.

"We were not looking to release Gary but this was his national team not a club that had come in," Birch added. "After only four months in the job, he felt that he had very much 'unfinished business' but, ultimately, was ruled by his heart and decided to take an opportunity which may never have come his way again.

"We are obviously disappointed and this would not have been entertained had it been another club side."

Reflecting on Speed's record as Blades manager, Birch said: "He has gone through a period which has not been entirely successful but he still has all the attributes to be successful. The players know they have been under-achieving but there is not a lot wrong. They just need to avoid making mistakes.

"Gary is a proud Welshman and you can understand why they have come for him. It just so happens that it has come during a difficult part at the beginning of his managerial career. I am sure he will go on to have a great managerial career.

"We fought to keep him but we were competing against his heart. We wish him all the best. The club is very disappointed but we will continue to move forward."